Production Team Leader

HR GO Recruitment; Ramsgate; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

HR GO Recruitment is seeking an experienced Production Team Leader for a newly established, state-of-the-art facility with high-speed automated production and packaging lines. This permanent role requires steering line performance, supporting operators and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

You will oversee line operations, ensure safety and quality compliance, and collaborate with Engineering to minimise downtime while coaching and developing

Qualifications

• Experience leading production teams in food/FMCG environments.
• Strong understanding of automated lines and packaging equipment.
• Willing and able to travel to site and work 12-hour shifts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate production operations to meet safety, quality and productivity targets.
• Monitor automated production lines and address performance issues.
• Coordinate line start-ups, changeovers and shutdowns per procedures.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, GMP and hygiene standards.
• Complete production records and reports accurately.
• Collaborate with Engineering to minimise downtime and resolve faults.
• Train and develop operatives to maximise performance.
• Drive adherence to production schedules and improve efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and root-cause investigations.
• Conduct effective shift handovers and maintain clear cross-department communication.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Health & Safety

Team coaching

Continuous improvement

Food manufacturing

Job description

Full Time | 12-Hour Shifts | Permanent Position

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Production Team Leader to join a newly established, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility featuring high-speed automated production and packaging lines.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the launch and ongoing success of a modern production operation. Candidates with experience working in automated manufacturing, food production, FMCG, packaging, or other high-speed production environments are encouraged to apply.

The Role

As a Production Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading and coordinating production operations, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity targets are consistently achieved.

You will oversee line performance, support operators, troubleshoot production challenges, and help drive continuous improvement across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate production teams to achieve output, quality, and efficiency targets.
• Monitor automated production lines and identify performance issues.
• Coordinate line start-ups, changeovers, and shutdowns in line with procedures.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, food hygiene, GMP, and quality standards.
• Complete production reports and maintain accurate operational records.
• Work closely with Engineering teams to minimise downtime and resolve faults.
• Train, coach, and develop production operatives.
• Drive adherence to production schedules and maximise operational efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and root-cause investigations.
• Conduct effective shift handovers and maintain clear communication across departments.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce safe working practices.
• Ensure compliance with site procedures, risk assessments, and hygiene standards.
• Report hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Participate in safety briefings and lead toolbox talks.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment.

What You'll Bring

• Previous experience within a food manufacturing, FMCG, or production environment.
• Proven leadership experience within a production or line management role.
• Strong understanding of automated production and packing equipment.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Due to the location of the site and shift patterns, applicants must have their own reliable transport.
• Bakery or food production experience.
• Continuous improvement experience.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.

What Success Looks Like

You will be measured against:

• Production output and efficiency targets.
• Quality and compliance standards.
• Health & safety performance.
• Team development and engagement.
• Accurate completion of production records and reports.
• Waste reduction and operational improvements.